N$47m allocated to FMD fencing
Construction of a veterinary cordon fence along the Orange River in southern Namibia is expected to take four months to complete as authorities intensify efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the //Kharas Region.
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani confirmed that construction had begun on farms along the river during a two-day visit to the Karasburg Veterinary District on 9 and 10 October to assess disease-control operations and engage affected farmers.
The fence will run from Homerevier to Velloorsdrift, while construction of a separate containment-zone fence is expected to begin following the delivery of materials to the site.
The measures form part of a wider government response aimed at limiting the spread of the highly contagious disease, protecting unaffected livestock and supporting the eventual resumption of normal trading activity.
N$190m containment response
The ministry of agriculture estimated that N$190.2 million is required to implement critical containment measures.
Of this amount, approximately N$47 million is earmarked for about 290km of disease-control fencing along a proposed route from Ariamsvlei through Karasburg to Ai-Ais.
The fencing is intended to strengthen separation between the containment zone and surrounding areas and support the enforcement of livestock movement restrictions.
The outbreak was first detected in the Karasburg Veterinary District in September, with laboratory tests confirming FMD serotype SAT 1.
By 5 October, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reported 127 confirmed cases across 15 farms, with 29 313 animals inspected. The agriculture ministry subsequently reported that the outbreak had affected 17 farms.
The government has also deployed surveillance teams, established roadblocks and prepared vaccination teams to support containment efforts.
Roadblocks and vaccination
During her visit, Zaamwani inspected roadblocks at strategic exit points and junctions, where teams are checking and disinfecting vehicles to reduce the risk of disease transmission. She acknowledged that the controls had caused delays during peak periods but said travellers had generally understood their importance.
“I am glad I went on site. I am happy with what I saw,” she said, commending officials for working around the clock. The minister stressed that inspections must continue throughout the day and night, warning against any relaxation of controls after dark. The ministry is also considering recruiting young people as temporary workers to reinforce roadblock operations.
Meanwhile, vaccination teams are preparing to operate in the outbreak's epicentre. Vaccination is expected to begin once schedules have been agreed with the relevant stakeholders.
